The Harnett County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 5 to adopt the county's recommended Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2033 and approved a design and engineering contract for Phase 2 of Cape Fear Shriner Park.

Miss McFadden, who spoke as the staff presenter for the CIP, told commissioners she was available to answer questions before the board took the adoption vote. A commissioner moved to approve the CIP; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Park contract details: "The phase 2 Cape Fear Shriner Park consists of about 6 acres," a project presenter said, noting the area sits in wetlands and flood plains and therefore requires additional engineering. The presenter stated the design/engineering contract price as "$175,650," saying the scope includes permitting, construction administration and updated design schematics that will incorporate additional public input. The Phase 2 plan was described as including a picnic shelter, playground and restroom, consistent with the original 2014 plan and the county's CIP.

Why it matters: Adopting the CIP sets funding priorities for capital projects across multiple fiscal years. Approving the park contract moves a long-discussed park expansion from planning toward design and permitting, a step that will trigger further public outreach and engineering work because of environmental constraints.

What happens next: Staff said they interviewed six firms and selected the top candidates based on experience working in wetlands and flood-plain conditions; the selected firm was reported as the top choice. Commissioners thanked staff and moved the contract forward. The board's approval allows staff to finalize design work and begin permitting and construction administration as the project progresses through state and local regulatory steps.